All veterinarians practicing medicine must be licensed in the state they work. When pets travel internationally, many countries require an international health certificate to be issued (completed, signed and dated) by a veterinarian and then endorsed (countersigned and embossed/ stamped) by APHIS. When APHIS endorsement of the health certificate is required, the veterinarian that issues the health certificate must be USDA Accredited. The USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) is voluntary; USDA Accredited Veterinarians have completed training in the state(s) they are licensed in to have this qualification. Generally, any licensed veterinarian can issue health certificates for pets that do not require APHIS endorsement, including for pets traveling interstate.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • It is the responsibility of the pet owner to make sure their pet has met the requirements of the destination country.
  • Failure to meet the requirements may result in problems gaining certificate endorsement or difficulties upon arrival in the destination country.

International Travel:

Travel to South Korea Requirements examination, ISO microchip, Rabies vaccine, Rabies titer. Once those requirements are met you will require a health certificate and endorsement from the USDA. South Korea requires a wet signature from the USDA APHIS which requires express shipment to stay within the deadline for travel. It is recommended that you start this process several months out just in case you don’t meet the titer requirement or if there are delays. From the initial exam to rabies titer testing to the health certificate and endorsement may cost several hundred dollars.

Please review the websites listed below as guidelines for pet travel provided by USDA APHIS

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